1
|
Hsu CH, Kuo CY, Wei Y, Soong K. Seagrass repression by green turtles (Chelonia mydas) around Taiping Island in the south China sea: Experimental evidence and management insights. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106494. [PMID: 38733738 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Seagrass meadows serve as critical marine habitats, offering numerous benefits to both humans and wildlife. Taiping Island, situated in the South China Sea, has been historically known for its abundant seagrass meadows. However, satellite imagery suggested there was a low density of seagrasses around Taiping Island. On the other hand, many green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were observed from the shore. To investigate this phenomenon, we conducted drone surveys of the shallow reefs and discovered a density of 902 ± 601 (mean ± SD) individual turtles per square kilometer during high tides. In addition, we conducted a cage experiment to test the hypothesis that large herbivores are impacting seagrass abundance negatively. The results indicated that the blade lengths of seagrasses in cages were significantly longer than those outside. It is likely that large herbivores such as green sea turtles are the key consumers of seagrass on the shallow reef flats of Taiping Island. Accordingly, further research and management should take into account that the increasing number of sea turtles may deplete the seagrasses and have an impact on the seagrass ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsuan Hsu
- Biodiversity Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Chia-Yu Kuo
- Planning and Research Division, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, 94450, Taiwan
| | - Yi Wei
- Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund, Taipei, 11157, Taiwan
| | - Keryea Soong
- Department of Oceanography, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stokes HJ, Mortimer JA, Laloë J, Hays GC, Esteban N. Synergistic use of
UAV
surveys, satellite tracking data, and mark‐recapture to estimate abundance of elusive species. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeanne A. Mortimer
- P.O. Box 1443, Victoria Mahé Seychelles
- Department of Biology University of Florida Gainesville Florida USA
| | | | - Graeme C. Hays
- Centre for Integrative Ecology Deakin University Geelong Victoria Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Papafitsoros K, Adam L, Schofield G. A social media-based framework for quantifying temporal changes to wildlife viewing intensity. Ecol Modell 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2022.110223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
4
|
Varela-Jaramillo A, Rivas-Torres G, Guayasamin JM, Steinfartz S, MacLeod A. A pilot study to estimate the population size of endangered Galápagos marine iguanas using drones. Front Zool 2023; 20:4. [PMID: 36703215 PMCID: PMC9878759 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-022-00478-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large-scale species monitoring remains a significant conservation challenge. Given the ongoing biodiversity crisis, the need for reliable and efficient methods has never been greater. Drone-based techniques have much to offer in this regard: they allow access to otherwise unreachable areas and enable the rapid collection of non-invasive field data. Herein, we describe the development of a drone-based method for the estimation of population size in Galápagos marine iguanas, Amblyrhynchus cristatus. As a large-bodied lizard that occurs in open coastal terrain, this endemic species is an ideal candidate for drone surveys. Almost all Amblyrhynchus subspecies are Endangered or Critically Endangered according to the IUCN yet since several colonies are inaccessible by foot, ground- based methods are unable to address the critical need for better census data. In order to establish a drone-based approach to estimate population size of marine iguanas, we surveyed in January 2021 four colonies on three focal islands (San Cristobal, Santa Fe and Espanola) using three techniques: simple counts (the standard method currently used by conservation managers), capture mark-resight (CMR), and drone-based counts. The surveys were performed within a 4-day window under similar ambient conditions. We then compared the approaches in terms of feasibility, outcome and effort. RESULTS The highest population-size estimates were obtained using CMR, and drone-based counts were on average 14% closer to CMR estimates-and 17-35% higher-than those obtained by simple counts. In terms of field-time, drone-surveys can be faster than simple counts, but image analyses were highly time consuming. CONCLUSION Though CMR likely produces superior estimates, it cannot be performed in most cases due to lack of access and knowledge regarding colonies. Drone-based surveys outperformed ground-based simple counts in terms of outcome and this approach is therefore suitable for use across the range of the species. Moreover, the aerial approach is currently the only credible solution for accessing and surveying marine iguanas at highly remote colonies. The application of citizen science and other aids such as machine learning will alleviate the issue regarding time needed to analyze the images.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Varela-Jaramillo
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Institute of Biology, Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony Germany ,3Diversity, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Gonzalo Rivas-Torres
- grid.412251.10000 0000 9008 4711Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto Biósfera, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Calle Diego de Robles s/n y Pampite, Cumbayá, Pichincha, Quito Ecuador ,Galápagos Science Center, GSC, San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, FL Gainesville, USA
| | - Juan M. Guayasamin
- grid.412251.10000 0000 9008 4711Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto Biósfera, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Calle Diego de Robles s/n y Pampite, Cumbayá, Pichincha, Quito Ecuador ,Galápagos Science Center, GSC, San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Sebastian Steinfartz
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Institute of Biology, Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony Germany
| | - Amy MacLeod
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Institute of Biology, Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Drones and sound recorders increase the number of bird species identified: A combined surveys approach. ECOL INFORM 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2023.101988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
6
|
Abreo NAS, Aurelio RM, Kobayashi VB, Thompson KF. 'Eye in the sky': Off-the-shelf unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) highlights exposure of marine turtles to floating litter (FML) in nearshore waters of Mayo Bay, Philippines. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114489. [PMID: 36549238 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Litter is a serious threat to the marine environment, with detrimental effects on wildlife and marine biodiversity. Limited data as a result of funding and logistical challenges in developing countries hamper our understanding of the problem. Here, we employed commercial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as a cost-effective tool to study the exposure of marine turtles to floating marine litter (FML) in waters of Mayo Bay, Philippines. A quadcopter UAV was flown autonomously with on-board camera capturing videos during the flight. Still frames were extracted when either turtle or litter were detected in post-flight processing. The extracted frames were georeferenced and mapped using QGIS software. Results showed that turtles are highly exposed to FML in nearshore waters. Moreover, spatial dependence between FML and turtles was also observed. The study highlights the effectiveness of UAVs in marine litter research and underscores the threat of FML to turtles in nearshore waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil Angelo S Abreo
- Marine Litter Project, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory - Environmental Studies Group, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines; Institute of Advanced Studies, Davao del Norte State College, Panabo City, Philippines.
| | - Remie M Aurelio
- Center for the Advancement of Research in Mindanao, Office of Research, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines
| | - Vladimer B Kobayashi
- Marine Litter Project, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory - Environmental Studies Group, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines; Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nasiri Z, Gholamalifard M, Ghasempouri SM. Determining Nest Site Selection by Hawksbill Sea Turtles in the Persian Gulf Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1552.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seyed Mahmoud Ghasempouri
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, 46417-76489, Iran [; ; ]
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Margaritoulis D, Lourenço G, Riggall TE, Rees AF. Thirty-Eight Years of Loggerhead Turtle Nesting in Laganas Bay, Zakynthos, Greece: A Review. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1531.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Margaritoulis
- ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Solomou 57, GR-10432 Athens, Greece [; ; ; ]
| | - Gonçalo Lourenço
- ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Solomou 57, GR-10432 Athens, Greece [; ; ; ]
| | - Thomas E. Riggall
- ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Solomou 57, GR-10432 Athens, Greece [; ; ; ]
| | - Alan F. Rees
- ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Solomou 57, GR-10432 Athens, Greece [; ; ; ]
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
A colonial-nesting seabird shows no heart-rate response to drone-based population surveys. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18804. [PMID: 36335150 PMCID: PMC9637139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22492-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerial drones are increasingly being used as tools for ecological research and wildlife monitoring in hard-to-access study systems, such as in studies of colonial-nesting birds. Despite their many advantages over traditional survey methods, there remains concerns about possible disturbance effects that standard drone survey protocols may have on bird colonies. There is a particular gap in the study of their influence on physiological measures of stress. We measured heart rates of incubating female common eider ducks (Somateria mollissima) to determine whether our drone-based population survey affected them. To do so, we used heart-rate recorders placed in nests to quantify their heart rate in response to a quadcopter drone flying transects 30 m above the nesting colony. Eider heart rate did not change from baseline (measured in the absence of drone survey flights) by a drone flying at a fixed altitude and varying horizontal distances from the bird. Our findings suggest that carefully planned drone-based surveys of focal species have the potential to be carried out without causing physiological impacts among colonial-nesting eiders.
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang Z, Yu X, Dedman S, Rosso M, Zhu J, Yang J, Xia Y, Tian Y, Zhang G, Wang J. UAV remote sensing applications in marine monitoring: Knowledge visualization and review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155939. [PMID: 35577092 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
With the booming development of information technology and the growing demand for remote sensing data, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing technology has emerged. In recent years, UAV remote sensing technology has developed rapidly and has been widely used in the fields of military defense, agricultural monitoring, surveying and mapping management, and disaster and emergency response and management. Currently, increasingly serious marine biological and environmental problems are raising the need for effective and timely monitoring. Compared with traditional marine monitoring technologies, UAV remote sensing is becoming an important means for marine monitoring thanks to its flexibility, efficiency and low cost, while still producing systematic data with high spatial and temporal resolutions. This study visualizes the knowledge domain of the application and research advances of UAV remote sensing in marine monitoring by analyzing 1130 articles (from 1993 to early 2022) using a bibliometric approach and provides a review of the application of UAVs in marine management mapping, marine disaster and environmental monitoring, and marine wildlife monitoring. It aims to promote the extensive application of UAV remote sensing in the field of marine research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongyao Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xueying Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Simon Dedman
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove Pacific Grove, 93950, California, USA
| | | | - Jingmin Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Yuxiang Xia
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Yichao Tian
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Guangping Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Jingzhen Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove Pacific Grove, 93950, California, USA; CIMA Research Foundation, Savona 17100, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Beal M, Catry P, Regalla A, Barbosa C, Pires AJ, Mestre J, Senhoury C, Sidina E, Patrício AR. Satellite tracking reveals sex-specific migration distance in green turtles ( Chelonia mydas). Biol Lett 2022; 18:20220325. [PMID: 36168800 PMCID: PMC9516337 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2022.0325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Satellite tracking is a key tool for studying sea turtles in the wild. Most tracking has been performed on adult females however, leaving knowledge gaps regarding other population segments, such as adult males. By satellite tracking 12 male green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at a breeding site in West Africa, we describe their movements from the breeding to the foraging grounds and compare migrations with those of 13 females tracked in the same season. During the mating period, some males remained near the focal nesting site, while others performed exploratory movements, apparently to visit other nearby rookeries. Males migrated on average shorter distances to foraging grounds (377 km, range 50-1081, n = 9) compared to females (1038 km, range 957-1850, n = 11]). Importantly, male foraging areas overlapped with previously described areas for females, suggesting sex-specific migration distances are not derived from differences in habitat selection. Strong support for differential migration by sex in sea turtles has hitherto been found in just one other species, but indications are that it may be a general feature in this group. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the interplay between reproductive roles and movement ecology of these emblematic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paulo Catry
- MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET – Aquatic Research Network, Ispa – Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Aissa Regalla
- Instituto da Biodiversidade e Áreas Protegidas, Dr. Alfredo Simão da Silva (IBAP), Bissau, Guiné-Bissau
| | - Castro Barbosa
- Instituto da Biodiversidade e Áreas Protegidas, Dr. Alfredo Simão da Silva (IBAP), Bissau, Guiné-Bissau
| | - António J. Pires
- Instituto da Biodiversidade e Áreas Protegidas, Dr. Alfredo Simão da Silva (IBAP), Bissau, Guiné-Bissau
| | - Julie Mestre
- MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET – Aquatic Research Network, Ispa – Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Ebaye Sidina
- Parc National du Banc d'Arguin, Chami, Mauritania
| | - Ana Rita Patrício
- MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET – Aquatic Research Network, Ispa – Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida, Lisboa, Portugal
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sellés-Ríos B, Flatt E, Ortiz-García J, García-Colomé J, Latour O, Whitworth A. Warm beach, warmer turtles: Using drone-mounted thermal infrared sensors to monitor sea turtle nesting activity. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.954791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades sea turtle projects around the world have monitored nesting females using labor-intensive human patrolling techniques. Here we describe the first empirical testing of a drone-mounted thermal infrared sensor for nocturnal sea turtle monitoring; on the Osa peninsula in Costa Rica. Preliminary flights verified that the drone could detect similar sea turtle activities as identified by on-the-ground human patrollers – such as turtles, nests and tracks. Drone observers could even differentiate tracks of different sea turtle species, detect sea turtle hatchlings, other wildlife, and potential poachers. We carried out pilot flights to determine optimal parameters for detection by testing different thermal visualization modes, drone heights, and gimbal angles. Then, over seven nights, we set up a trial to compare the thermal drone and operators’ detections with those observed by traditional patrollers. Our trials showed that thermal drones can record more information than traditional sea turtle monitoring methods. The drone and observer detected 20% more sea turtles or tracks than traditional ground-based patrolling (flights and patrols carried out across the same nights at the same time and beach). In addition, the drone operator detected 39 other animals/predators and three potential poachers that patrollers failed to detect. Although the technology holds great promise in being able to enhance detection rates of nesting turtles and other beach activity, and in helping to keep observers safer, we detail challenges and limiting factors; in drone imagery, current cost barriers, and technological advances that need to be assessed and developed before standardized methodologies can be adopted. We suggest potential ways to overcome these challenges and recommend how further studies can help to optimize thermal drones to enhance sea turtle monitoring efforts worldwide.
Collapse
|
13
|
Schofield G, Papafitsoros K, Chapman C, Shah A, Westover L, Dickson LC, Katselidis KA. More aggressive sea turtles win fights over foraging resources independent of body size and years of presence. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
|
14
|
Prampramote J, Boonhoh W, Intongead S, Sakornwimol W, Prachamkhai P, Sansamur C, Hayakijkosol O, Wongtawan T. Association of ocean macroplastic debris with stranded sea turtles in the Central Gulf of Thailand. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2022. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
15
|
Odzer MN, Brooks AML, Heithaus MR, Whitman ER. Effects of environmental factors on the detection of subsurface green turtles in aerial drone surveys. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
16
|
Giacomo ABD, Barreto J, Teixeira JB, Oliveira L, Cajaíba L, Joyeux JC, Barcelos N, Martins AS. Using drones and ROV to assess the vulnerability of marine megafauna to the Fundão tailings dam collapse. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 800:149302. [PMID: 34426300 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ecology and life history of marine megafauna can answer the ecological importance of a region. This study assesses and monitors the abundance and home range of sea turtles, seabirds, marine mammals and the association with coastal microhabitats in potentially impacted areas at the Rio Doce river mouth, Comboios, and Piraquê-açu river mouth after the collapse of the Fundão dam. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or drones) were used for megafauna species identification, behavior, population data, habitat characterization, and monitoring of environmental protection areas. The species Sotalia guianensis and Pontoporia blainvillei were the most recorded cetaceans, and the main observed behavior was feeding. Guiana dolphin (S. guianensis) occurs in greater density in the Rio Doce river mouth region, resulting in more than 10 sightings/km2, while franciscana (P. blainvillei) were the most concentrated Comboios area. The seabirds (all species) had up to 15 sightings/km2 at the Rio Doce river mouth, the highest density among sampled areas. The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) was the most frequently recorded, followed by the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). The green turtle occurred at a higher concentration at the Piraquê-Açu river mouth (above 6 sightings/km2). The sites closest to Rio Doce river mouth and Comboios predominantly showed mud bottoms, while those at Piraquê-Açu mouth were mostly reef structures. The estuarine areas showed greater importance for megafauna than marine areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B D Giacomo
- Laboratório de Nectologia, Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, Brazil.
| | - Jonathas Barreto
- Laboratório de Nectologia, Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, Brazil
| | - João Batista Teixeira
- Laboratório de Nectologia, Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Lorena Oliveira
- Laboratório de Nectologia, Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Luciano Cajaíba
- Laboratório de Nectologia, Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Jean-Christophe Joyeux
- Laboratório de Ictiologia, Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Nelson Barcelos
- Laboratório de Nectologia, Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Agnaldo S Martins
- Laboratório de Nectologia, Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Myburgh A, Botha H, Downs CT, Woodborne SM. The Application and Limitations of a Low-Cost UAV Platform and Open-Source Software Combination for Ecological Mapping and Monitoring. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.3957/056.051.0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Myburgh
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Hannes Botha
- Scientific Services, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Nelspruit, South Africa
| | - Colleen T. Downs
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Seier G, Hödl C, Abermann J, Schöttl S, Maringer A, Hofstadler DN, Pröbstl-Haider U, Lieb GK. Unmanned aircraft systems for protected areas: Gadgetry or necessity? J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
19
|
Dujon AM, Vittecoq M, Bramwell G, Thomas F, Ujvari B. Machine learning is a powerful tool to study the effect of cancer on species and ecosystems. Methods Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine M. Dujon
- Geelong School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Integrative Ecology Deakin University Waurn Ponds Victoria Australia
- CREECUMR IRD 224‐CNRS 5290‐Université de Montpellier Montpellier France
- CANECEV‐Centre de Recherches Ecologiques et Evolutives sur le cancer (CREEC) Montpellier France
| | - Marion Vittecoq
- CREECUMR IRD 224‐CNRS 5290‐Université de Montpellier Montpellier France
- MIVEGECUniversity of MontpellierCNRSIRD Montpellier France
- Tour du Valat Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands Arles France
| | - Georgina Bramwell
- Geelong School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Integrative Ecology Deakin University Waurn Ponds Victoria Australia
- CANECEV‐Centre de Recherches Ecologiques et Evolutives sur le cancer (CREEC) Montpellier France
| | - Frédéric Thomas
- CREECUMR IRD 224‐CNRS 5290‐Université de Montpellier Montpellier France
- CANECEV‐Centre de Recherches Ecologiques et Evolutives sur le cancer (CREEC) Montpellier France
- MIVEGECUniversity of MontpellierCNRSIRD Montpellier France
| | - Beata Ujvari
- Geelong School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Integrative Ecology Deakin University Waurn Ponds Victoria Australia
- CANECEV‐Centre de Recherches Ecologiques et Evolutives sur le cancer (CREEC) Montpellier France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Incorporating Geographical Scale and Multiple Environmental Factors to Delineate the Breeding Distribution of Sea Turtles. DRONES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/drones5040142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Temperature is often used to infer how climate influences wildlife distributions; yet, other parameters also contribute, separately and combined, with effects varying across geographical scales. Here, we used an unoccupied aircraft system to explore how environmental parameters affect the regional distribution of the terrestrial and marine breeding habitats of threatened loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Surveys spanned four years and ~620 km coastline of western Greece, encompassing low (<10 nests/km) to high (100–500 nests/km) density nesting areas. We recorded 2395 tracks left by turtles on beaches and 1928 turtles occupying waters adjacent to these beaches. Variation in beach track and inwater turtle densities was explained by temperature, offshore prevailing wind, and physical marine and terrestrial factors combined. The highest beach-track densities (400 tracks/km) occurred on beaches with steep slopes and higher sand temperatures, sheltered from prevailing offshore winds. The highest inwater turtle densities (270 turtles/km) occurred over submerged sandbanks, with warmer sea temperatures associated with offshore wind. Most turtles (90%) occurred over nearshore submerged sandbanks within 10 km of beaches supporting the highest track densities, showing the strong linkage between optimal marine and terrestrial environments for breeding. Our findings demonstrate the utility of UASs in surveying marine megafauna and environmental data at large scales and the importance of integrating multiple factors in climate change models to predict species distributions.
Collapse
|
21
|
Kandrot S, Hayes S, Holloway P. Applications of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Technology to Support Integrated Coastal Zone Management and the UN Sustainable Development Goals at the Coast. ESTUARIES AND COASTS : JOURNAL OF THE ESTUARINE RESEARCH FEDERATION 2021; 45:1230-1249. [PMID: 34690615 PMCID: PMC8522254 DOI: 10.1007/s12237-021-01001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Data and information obtained from low-cost uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as 'drones', can be used to support integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) and sustainable development at the coast. Several recent studies in various disciplines, including ecology, engineering, and several branches of physical and human geography, describe the applications of UAV technology with practical coastal management potential, yet the extent to which such data can contribute to these activities remains underexplored. The main objective of this paper is to collate this knowledge to highlight the areas in which UAV technology can contribute to ICZM and can influence the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the coast. We focus on applications with practical potential for coastal management activities and assess their accessibility in terms of cost, ease of use, and maturity. We identified ten (out of the 17) SDGs to which UAVs can contribute data and information. Examples of applications include surveillance of illegal fishing and aquaculture activities, seaweed resource assessments, cost-estimation of post-storm damages, and documentation of natural and cultural heritage sites under threat from, for example, erosion and sea-level rise. An awareness of how UAVs can contribute to ICZM, as well as the limitations of the technology, can help coastal practitioners to evaluate their options for future management activities. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12237-021-01001-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kandrot
- Green Rebel, Crosshaven Boat Yard, Point Road, Co., Cork, P43 EV21 Ireland
| | - Samuel Hayes
- MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, Environmental Research Institute Beaufort Building, University College Cork, Haulbowline Road, Ringaskiddy, Co., Cork, P43 C573 Ireland
- Department of Geography, University College Cork, College Road, Cork, T12 K8AF Ireland
| | - Paul Holloway
- Department of Geography, University College Cork, College Road, Cork, T12 K8AF Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Road, Cork, T23 XE10 Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
González-Cortés L, Labastida-Estrada E, Karam-Martínez SG, Montoya-Márquez JA, Islas-Villanueva V. Within-season shifts in multiple paternity patterns in mass-nesting olive ridley sea turtles. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple paternity is common to all sea turtle species, but its causes and consequences are hard to ascertain and the behaviors and success of males difficult to observe. This study aims to describe patterns of multiple paternity for olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea at Playa de Escobilla, an ‘arribada’ (mass-nesting) site on the Mexican Pacific coast with over a million clutches laid each reproductive season. A total of 15 females and their hatchlings were sampled during 3 arribada events which occurred over the 2016-2017 nesting season. Females and hatchlings (N = 329) were genotyped at 5 microsatellite loci, from which we inferred the alleles of 46 contributing males. Multiple paternity was detected in 60% of the analyzed clutches, which were sired by a range of 2 to 7 males. Multiple paternity rates differed significantly across arribada events, suggesting more males achieved fertilizations earlier in the breeding season. Paternal contribution in 6 of the clutches with multiple paternity was skewed towards a single male; the remaining clutches had a homogeneous male contribution. However, our results are based on relatively small within-arribada sample sizes. The frequency of multiple paternity among turtle clutches laid on this arribada beach could be related to the density of breeding individuals in the reproductive patch off Playa de Escobilla, rather than to the nesting population size or female size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L González-Cortés
- Programa de Maestría en Ciencias: Ecología Marina, División de Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad del Mar, Campus Puerto Ángel, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Oaxaca 70902, Mexico
| | - E Labastida-Estrada
- Programa de Maestría en Ciencias: Ecología Marina, División de Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad del Mar, Campus Puerto Ángel, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Oaxaca 70902, Mexico
| | - SG Karam-Martínez
- Instituto de Recursos, Universidad del Mar, Campus Puerto Ángel, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Oaxaca 70902, Mexico
| | - JA Montoya-Márquez
- Instituto de Recursos, Universidad del Mar, Campus Puerto Ángel, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Oaxaca 70902, Mexico
| | - V Islas-Villanueva
- CONACYT, Universidad del Mar, Campus Puerto Ángel, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Oaxaca 70902, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Turtles and tortoises (chelonians) have been integral components of global ecosystems for about 220 million years and have played important roles in human culture for at least 400,000 years. The chelonian shell is a remarkable evolutionary adaptation, facilitating success in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Today, more than half of the 360 living species and 482 total taxa (species and subspecies combined) are threatened with extinction. This places chelonians among the groups with the highest extinction risk of any sizeable vertebrate group. Turtle populations are declining rapidly due to habitat loss, consumption by humans for food and traditional medicines and collection for the international pet trade. Many taxa could become extinct in this century. Here, we examine survival threats to turtles and tortoises and discuss the interventions that will be needed to prevent widespread extinction in this group in coming decades.
Collapse
|
24
|
Comparison of UAV and Boat Surveys for Detecting Changes in Breeding Population Dynamics of Sea Turtles. REMOTE SENSING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/rs13152857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Surveying the breeding population of a given species can be difficult for many logistic reasons. Marine turtles are a challenging taxon for the study of reproductive ecology and breeding strategies, because turtles aggregate off-shore and males remain exclusively at sea. For successful management of sea turtle populations, determining operational sex ratios (OSRs) on a continuing basis is critical for determining long-term population viability, particularly in the context of changing hatchling sex ratios due to temperature-dependent sex determination in a warming climate. To understand how survey technique and stage of the breeding season might influence the ability to detect turtles and determine OSRs, we surveyed the presence and identified the sex of adult male and female green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) using a boat and small commercial unoccupied/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), at the start (October) and peak (December) of a nesting season at an important breeding site at Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The ratio of males to females within the breeding ground detected by both survey methods changed from being male-biased in October to heavily female-biased in December, indicating that most males cease their reproductive effort and depart before the peak of the nesting season. Surveying with a UAV more than doubled the rate of turtles seen per minute of survey effort compared with surveying solely from the boat and allowed surveys to be conducted at times and/or places unsafe or inaccessible for boats. The sex of a slightly greater proportion of turtles seen could not be identified by observers using a UAV versus a boat, although more turtles were detected using the UAV. The departure of many males during the peak of the nesting season is likely due to an increasing biological cost of residency in the area because males encounter fewer receptive females as the season progresses and the limited foraging opportunity is insufficient to support the number of males present. Overall, we found that UAVs are an effective tool for studying important but difficult to observe aspects of sea turtle biology.
Collapse
|
25
|
Schofield G, Dickson LCD, Westover L, Dujon AM, Katselidis KA. COVID-19 disruption reveals mass-tourism pressure on nearshore sea turtle distributions and access to optimal breeding habitat. Evol Appl 2021; 14:2516-2526. [PMID: 34548882 PMCID: PMC8444759 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantifying the extent to which animals detect and respond to human presence allows us to identify pressure (disturbance) and inform conservation management objectively; however, obtaining baselines against which to compare human impact is hindered in areas where human activities are already well established. For example, Zakynthos Island (Greece, Mediterranean) receives around 850,000 visitors each summer, while supporting an important loggerhead sea turtle rookery (~300 individuals/season). The coronavirus (COVID-19)-driven absence of tourism in May-June 2020 provided an opportunity to evaluate the distribution dynamics of this population in the absence (2020) vs. presence (2018 and 2019) of visitors using programmed unmanned aerial system (UAS) surveys. Ambient sea temperature transitioned from suboptimal for breeding in May to optimal in late June, with turtle distribution appearing to shift from shallow (to benefit from waters 3-5°C above ambient) to deeper waters in 2018 and 2019, but not 2020. The 2020 data set demonstrated that increased tourism pressure, not temperature, drives turtles offshore. Specifically, >50% of turtles remained within 100 m of shore at densities of 25-50 visitors/km, even when sea temperature rose, with 2018 and 2019 data supporting this trend. Reduced access to warmer, nearshore waters by tourism could delay the onset of nesting and increase the length of the egg maturation period between nesting events (internesting interval) at this site. A coastal refuge zone could be delimited in May-June where touristic infrastructure is minimal, but also where turtles frequently aggregate. In conclusion, sea turtles appear capable of perceiving changes in the level of human pressure at fine spatial and temporal scales and adjusting their distribution accordingly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gail Schofield
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Queen Mary University of London London UK
| | - Liam C D Dickson
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Queen Mary University of London London UK
| | - Lucy Westover
- School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Bristol UK
| | - Antoine M Dujon
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Geelong Vic. Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
As a typical cyber-physical system, networked unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have received much attention in recent years. Emerging communication technologies and high-performance control methods enable networked UAVs to operate as aerial sensor networks to collect more complete and consistent information with significantly improved mobility and flexibility than traditional sensing platforms. One of the main applications of networked UAVs is surveillance and monitoring, which constitute essential components of a well-functioning public safety system and many industrial applications. Although the existing literature on surveillance and monitoring UAVs is extensive, a comprehensive survey on this topic is lacking. This article classifies publications on networked UAVs for surveillance and monitoring using the targets of interest and analyzes several typical problems on this topic, including the control, navigation, and deployment optimization of UAVs. The related research gaps and future directions are also presented.
Collapse
|
27
|
Patrício AR, Hawkes LA, Monsinjon JR, Godley BJ, Fuentes MMPB. Climate change and marine turtles: recent advances and future directions. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is a threat to marine turtles that is expected to affect all of their life stages. To guide future research, we conducted a review of the most recent literature on this topic, highlighting knowledge gains and research gaps since a similar previous review in 2009. Most research has been focussed on the terrestrial life history phase, where expected impacts will range from habitat loss and decreased reproductive success to feminization of populations, but changes in reproductive periodicity, shifts in latitudinal ranges, and changes in foraging success are all expected in the marine life history phase. Models have been proposed to improve estimates of primary sex ratios, while technological advances promise a better understanding of how climate can influence different life stages and habitats. We suggest a number of research priorities for an improved understanding of how climate change may impact marine turtles, including: improved estimates of primary sex ratios, assessments of the implications of female-biased sex ratios and reduced male production, assessments of the variability in upper thermal limits of clutches, models of beach sediment movement under sea level rise, and assessments of impacts on foraging grounds. Lastly, we suggest that it is not yet possible to recommend manipulating aspects of turtle nesting ecology, as the evidence base with which to understand the results of such interventions is not robust enough, but that strategies for mitigation of stressors should be helpful, providing they consider the synergistic effects of climate change and other anthropogenic-induced threats to marine turtles, and focus on increasing resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- AR Patrício
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
| | - LA Hawkes
- Hatherley Laboratories, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK
| | - JR Monsinjon
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa
| | - BJ Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
| | - MMPB Fuentes
- Marine Turtle Research, Ecology and Conservation Group, Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Clarke LJ, Elliot RL, Abella‐Perez E, Jenkins SR, Marco A, Martins S, Hawkes LA. Low‐cost tools mitigate climate change during reproduction in an endangered marine ectotherm. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leo J. Clarke
- School of Ocean Sciences Bangor University Anglesey UK
| | | | - Elena Abella‐Perez
- Estacion Biologica de Donana (CSIC) Sevilla Spain
- BIOS.CVSal Rei Boavista Republic of Cape Verde
| | | | - Adolfo Marco
- Estacion Biologica de Donana (CSIC) Sevilla Spain
| | | | - Lucy A. Hawkes
- Hatherley Laboratories College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Exeter UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Maurer AS, Seminoff JA, Layman CA, Stapleton SP, Godfrey MH, Reiskind MOB. Population Viability of Sea Turtles in the Context of Global Warming. Bioscience 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Sea turtles present a model for the potential impacts of climate change on imperiled species, with projected warming generating concern about their persistence. Various sea turtle life-history traits are affected by temperature; most strikingly, warmer egg incubation temperatures cause female-biased sex ratios and higher embryo mortality. Predictions of sea turtle resilience to climate change are often focused on how resulting male limitation or reduced offspring production may affect populations. In the present article, by reviewing research on sea turtles, we provide an overview of how temperature impacts on incubating eggs may cascade through life history to ultimately affect population viability. We explore how sex-specific patterns in survival and breeding periodicity determine the differences among offspring, adult, and operational sex ratios. We then discuss the implications of skewed sex ratios for male-limited reproduction, consider the negative correlation between sex ratio skew and genetic diversity, and examine consequences for adaptive potential. Our synthesis underscores the importance of considering the effects of climate throughout the life history of any species. Lethal effects (e.g., embryo mortality) are relatively direct impacts, but sublethal effects at immature life-history stages may not alter population growth rates until cohorts reach reproductive maturity. This leaves a lag during which some species transition through several stages subject to distinct biological circumstances and climate impacts. These perspectives will help managers conceptualize the drivers of emergent population dynamics and identify existing knowledge gaps under different scenarios of predicted environmental change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Maurer
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, in the United States; he is also a research associate with the Jumby Bay Hawksbill Project in Antigua, West Indies
| | - Jeffrey A Seminoff
- Marine Turtle Ecology and Assessment Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Craig A Layman
- Center for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability, Wake Forest University, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the United States
| | - Seth P Stapleton
- Conservation and animal health sciences, Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, Minnesota; he is also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the United States
| | - Matthew H Godfrey
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
| | - Martha O Burford Reiskind
- Martha Burford Reiskind is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and the director of the Genetics and Genomics Scholars program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Nazir S, Kaleem M. Advances in image acquisition and processing technologies transforming animal ecological studies. ECOL INFORM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2021.101212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
31
|
Drone-Based Tracking of the Fine-Scale Movement of a Coastal Stingray (Bathytoshia brevicaudata). REMOTE SENSING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/rs13010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Coastal ecosystems are under threat from a range of anthropogenic impacts that disrupt habitat connectivity and the ability for animals to move within them. Understanding fine-scale animal movement provides insight into how animals are responding to these pressures, and underpins effective ecological management and conservation strategies. This study used drones to investigate the drivers of the fine-scale movement of rays in coastal estuaries using the short-tail stingray (Bathytoshia brevicaudata) as a model species. Smaller rays swam with more regular bursts of speed and greater sinuosity than larger individuals, indicating that rays of different sizes alter their fine-scale movement behavior to maintain energetic efficiency. Rays were less likely to spend time resting and swam faster on the high tide compared to the outgoing tide. They were also more likely to exhibit bursts of speed at noon (11 am to 1 pm) than at other times of day. Body size, tide and time of day all influenced ray movement. Understanding the ecological variables that influence the fine-scale movement of rays and the potential for human activities to alter natural behaviors is integral to the implementation of effective management strategies for this group of animals and their ecosystems.
Collapse
|
32
|
Torre Cerro R, Holloway P. A review of the methods for studying biotic interactions in phenological analyses. Methods Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Torre Cerro
- Department of Geography University College Cork Cork Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute University College Cork Cork Ireland
| | - Paul Holloway
- Department of Geography University College Cork Cork Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute University College Cork Cork Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Papafitsoros K, Panagopoulou A, Schofield G. Social media reveals consistently disproportionate tourism pressure on a threatened marine vertebrate. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Papafitsoros
- ARCHELON The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece Athens Greece
- Weierstrass Institute Berlin Germany
| | - A. Panagopoulou
- ARCHELON The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece Athens Greece
- The Leatherback Trust Fort Wayne IN USA
| | - G. Schofield
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Queen Mary University of London London UK
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
The use of drones to study marine animals shows promise for the examination of numerous aspects of their ecology, behaviour, health and movement patterns. However, the responses of some marine phyla to the presence of drones varies broadly, as do the general operational protocols used to study them. Inconsistent methodological approaches could lead to difficulties comparing studies and can call into question the repeatability of research. This review draws on current literature and researchers with a wealth of practical experience to outline the idiosyncrasies of studying various marine taxa with drones. We also outline current best practice for drone operation in marine environments based on the literature and our practical experience in the field. The protocols outlined herein will be of use to researchers interested in incorporating drones as a tool into their research on marine animals and will help form consistent approaches for drone-based studies in the future.
Collapse
|
35
|
Dunstan A, Robertson K, Fitzpatrick R, Pickford J, Meager J. Use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for mark-resight nesting population estimation of adult female green sea turtles at Raine Island. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228524. [PMID: 32497041 PMCID: PMC7272060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nester abundance is a key measure of the performance of the world’s largest green turtle rookery at Raine Island, Australia, and has been estimated by mark-resight counts since 1984. Nesters are first marked by painting their carapace with a longitudinal white stripe. Painted and unpainted turtles are then counted by a surface observer on a small boat in waters adjacent to the reef. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and underwater video may provide more cost-effective and less biased alternatives to this approach, but estimates must be comparable with historical estimates. Here we compare and evaluate the three methods. We found comparatively little variation in resighting probabilities between consecutive days of sampling or time of day, which supports an underlying assumption of the method (i.e. demographic closure during sampling). This lack of bias in the location availability for detection of painted versus unpainted turtles and further supported by a parallel satellite tracking study of 40 turtles at Raine Island. Our results demonstrated that surface observers consistently reported higher proportions of marked turtles than either the UAV or underwater video method. This in turn yielded higher population estimates with UAV or underwater video compared to the historical surface observer method, which suggested correction factors of 1.53 and 1.73 respectively. We attributed this to observer search error because a white marked turtle is easier to spot than the non-marked turtle. In contrast, the UAV and underwater video methods allowed subsequent frame-by-frame review, thus reducing observer search error. UAVs were the most efficient in terms of survey time, personnel commitment and weather tolerance compared to the other methods. However, underwater video may also be a useful alternative for in-water mark-resight surveys of turtles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Dunstan
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Katharine Robertson
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard Fitzpatrick
- Biopixel Oceans Foundation, James Cook University, Smithfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Pickford
- Queensland Department of Natural Resources Mines and Energy, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Justin Meager
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
While aerial shark spotting has been a standard practice for beach safety for decades, new technologies offer enhanced opportunities, ranging from drones/unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that provide new viewing capabilities, to new apps that provide beachgoers with up-to-date risk analysis before entering the water. This report describes the Sharkeye platform, a first-of-its-kind project to demonstrate personal shark alerting for beachgoers in the water and on land, leveraging innovative UAV image collection, cloud-hosted machine learning detection algorithms, and reporting via smart wearables. To execute, our team developed a novel detection algorithm trained via machine learning based on aerial footage of real sharks and rays collected at local beaches, hosted and deployed the algorithm in the cloud, and integrated push alerts to beachgoers in the water via a shark app to run on smartwatches. The project was successfully trialed in the field in Kiama, Australia, with over 350 detection events recorded, followed by the alerting of multiple smartwatches simultaneously both on land and in the water, and with analysis capable of detecting shark analogues, rays, and surfers in average beach conditions, and all based on ~1 h of training data in total. Additional demonstrations showed potential of the system to enable lifeguard-swimmer communication, and the ability to create a network on demand to enable the platform. Our system was developed to provide swimmers and surfers with immediate information via smart apps, empowering lifeguards/lifesavers and beachgoers to prevent unwanted encounters with wildlife before it happens.
Collapse
|
37
|
Counting Mixed Breeding Aggregations of Animal Species Using Drones: Lessons from Waterbirds on Semi-Automation. REMOTE SENSING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/rs12071185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Using drones to count wildlife saves time and resources and allows access to difficult or dangerous areas. We collected drone imagery of breeding waterbirds at colonies in the Okavango Delta (Botswana) and Lowbidgee floodplain (Australia). We developed a semi-automated counting method, using machine learning, and compared effectiveness of freeware and payware in identifying and counting waterbird species (targets) in the Okavango Delta. We tested transferability to the Australian breeding colony. Our detection accuracy (targets), between the training and test data, was 91% for the Okavango Delta colony and 98% for the Lowbidgee floodplain colony. These estimates were within 1–5%, whether using freeware or payware for the different colonies. Our semi-automated method was 26% quicker, including development, and 500% quicker without development, than manual counting. Drone data of waterbird colonies can be collected quickly, allowing later counting with minimal disturbance. Our semi-automated methods efficiently provided accurate estimates of nesting species of waterbirds, even with complex backgrounds. This could be used to track breeding waterbird populations around the world, indicators of river and wetland health, with general applicability for monitoring other taxa.
Collapse
|
38
|
Schofield G, Klaassen M, Papafitsoros K, Lilley MKS, Katselidis KA, Hays GC. Long-term photo-id and satellite tracking reveal sex-biased survival linked to movements in an endangered species. Ecology 2020; 101:e03027. [PMID: 32096220 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sex-biased survival linked to anthropogenic threats places populations at risk. We show the utility of long-term multidecadal photo-identification (photo-id) combined with long-term high-resolution (Fastloc-GPS) satellite telemetry to investigate the links between mortality rates and patterns of movement for a wide-ranging, endangered marine vertebrate. Using a photo-identification database of 947 loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) compiled over 18 yr, we estimated greater annual survival rates of females (0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87-0.90) compared to males (0.73; 95% CI 0.67-0.78). For males satellite-tracked across multiple breeding seasons, 100% (26 of 26) returned to the same breeding site, suggesting the calculated lower male survival rate was likely not due to emigration to breed elsewhere. 10,111 and 2,524 tracking days for males (n = 39 individuals) and females (n = 18 individuals), respectively, revealed different habitat-use patterns outside the breeding season: males tended to occupy foraging sites closer to shore and closer to breeding sites but, due to their generally annual breeding, compared to biennial breeding for females, males migrated further per year on average. These differences in movement patterns likely contribute to higher mortality in males through increased interaction with anthropogenic threats. Long-term identification coupled with tracking offers great promise for estimating the survival rates of other wide-ranging species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gail Schofield
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Marcel Klaassen
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3280, Australia
| | - Kostas Papafitsoros
- Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics, Mohrenstrasse 39, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,ARCHELON, The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Solomou 57, GR-10432, Athens, Greece
| | - Martin K S Lilley
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Kostas A Katselidis
- National Marine Park of Zakynthos, 1 Eleftheriou Venizelou Street GR29100, Zakynthos, Greece
| | - Graeme C Hays
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3280, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Inman VL, Kingsford RT, Chase MJ, Leggett KEA. Drone-based effective counting and ageing of hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219652. [PMID: 31805046 PMCID: PMC6894862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurately estimating hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) numbers is difficult due to their aggressive nature, amphibious lifestyle, and habit of diving and surfacing. Traditionally, hippos are counted using aerial surveys and land/boat surveys. We compared estimates of numbers of hippos in a lagoon in the Okavango Delta, counted from land to counts from video taken from a DJI Phantom 4TM drone, testing for effectiveness at three heights (40 m, 80 m, and 120 m) and four times of day (early morning, late morning, early afternoon, and late afternoon). In addition, we determined effectiveness for differentiating age classes (juvenile, subadult, and adult), based on visual assessment and measurements from drone images, at different times and heights. Estimates in the pool averaged 9.18 (± 0.25SE, range 1-14, n = 112 counts). Drone counts at 40 m produced the highest counts of hippos, 10.6% higher than land counts and drone counts at 80 m, and 17.6% higher than drone counts at 120 m. Fewer hippos were counted in the early morning, when the hippos were active and most likely submerged, compared to all other times of day, when they tended to rest in shallow water with their bodies exposed. We were able to assign age classes to similar numbers of hippos from land counts and counts at 40 m, although land counts were better at identifying juveniles and subadults. Early morning was the least effective time to age hippos given their active behaviour, increasingly problematic with increasing height. Use of a relatively low-cost drone provided a rigorous and repeatable method for estimating numbers and ages of hippos, other than in the early morning, compared to land counts, considered the most accurate method of counting hippos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L. Inman
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Richard T. Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Keith E. A. Leggett
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Fowlers Gap Arid Zone Research Station, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Clyde-Brockway C, Robinson NJ, Blanco GS, Morreale SJ, Spotila JR, Tomillo PS, Paladino FV. Local Variation in the Internesting Behavior of Green Turtles in the Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1352.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Clyde-Brockway
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 USA []
| | | | - Gabriela S. Blanco
- Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos, CCT CONICET-CENPAT, Puerto Madryn, Argentina []
| | - Stephen J. Morreale
- Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853 USA []
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Dujon AM, Schofield G. Importance of machine learning for enhancing ecological studies using information-rich imagery. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
42
|
Methodological Ambiguity and Inconsistency Constrain Unmanned Aerial Vehicles as A Silver Bullet for Monitoring Ecological Restoration. REMOTE SENSING 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/rs11101180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The last decade has seen an exponential increase in the application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to ecological monitoring research, though with little standardisation or comparability in methodological approaches and research aims. We reviewed the international peer-reviewed literature in order to explore the potential limitations on the feasibility of UAV-use in the monitoring of ecological restoration, and examined how they might be mitigated to maximise the quality, reliability and comparability of UAV-generated data. We found little evidence of translational research applying UAV-based approaches to ecological restoration, with less than 7% of 2133 published UAV monitoring studies centred around ecological restoration. Of the 48 studies, > 65% had been published in the three years preceding this study. Where studies utilised UAVs for rehabilitation or restoration applications, there was a strong propensity for single-sensor monitoring using commercially available RPAs fitted with the modest-resolution RGB sensors available. There was a strong positive correlation between the use of complex and expensive sensors (e.g., LiDAR, thermal cameras, hyperspectral sensors) and the complexity of chosen image classification techniques (e.g., machine learning), suggesting that cost remains a primary constraint to the wide application of multiple or complex sensors in UAV-based research. We propose that if UAV-acquired data are to represent the future of ecological monitoring, research requires a) consistency in the proven application of different platforms and sensors to the monitoring of target landforms, organisms and ecosystems, underpinned by clearly articulated monitoring goals and outcomes; b) optimization of data analysis techniques and the manner in which data are reported, undertaken in cross-disciplinary partnership with fields such as bioinformatics and machine learning; and c) the development of sound, reasonable and multi-laterally homogenous regulatory and policy framework supporting the application of UAVs to the large-scale and potentially trans-disciplinary ecological applications of the future.
Collapse
|
43
|
Bennitt E, Bartlam-Brooks HLA, Hubel TY, Wilson AM. Terrestrial mammalian wildlife responses to Unmanned Aerial Systems approaches. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2142. [PMID: 30765800 PMCID: PMC6375938 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38610-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are increasingly being used recreationally, commercially and for wildlife research, but very few studies have quantified terrestrial mammalian reactions to UAS approaches. We used two Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) UAS to approach seven herbivore species in the Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana, after securing the relevant permissions. We recorded responses to 103 vertical and 120 horizontal approaches, the latter from three altitudes above ground level (AGL). We ran mixed logistic regressions to identify factors triggering (i) any response and (ii) an evasive response. We included effects of activity, altitude, direction of approach, distance, habitat, herd type, herd size, other species, target species, time, VTOL type and wind strength. Response triggers were linked to altitude, distance, habitat and target species. Elephant (Loxodonta africana), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and zebra (Equus quagga) were most affected by VTOL approach, impala (Aepyceros melampus) and lechwe (Kobus leche) were least responsive, and tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus) displayed intermediate sensitivity. VTOLs flown lower than 60 m AGL and closer than 100 m horizontal distance from target animals triggered behavioural responses in most species. Enforced regulations on recreational UAS use in wildlife areas are necessary to minimise disturbance to terrestrial mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Bennitt
- Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Maun, Botswana.
| | - Hattie L A Bartlam-Brooks
- Structure and Motion Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tatjana Y Hubel
- Structure and Motion Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan M Wilson
- Structure and Motion Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ditmer MA, Werden LK, Tanner JC, Vincent JB, Callahan P, Iaizzo PA, Laske TG, Garshelis DL. Bears habituate to the repeated exposure of a novel stimulus, unmanned aircraft systems. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 7:coy067. [PMID: 30680216 PMCID: PMC6331175 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS; i.e. 'drones') provide new opportunities for data collection in ecology, wildlife biology and conservation. Yet, several studies have documented behavioral or physiological responses to close-proximity UAS flights. We experimentally tested whether American black bears (Ursus americanus) habituate to repeated UAS exposure and whether tolerance levels persist during an extended period without UAS flights. Using implanted cardiac biologgers, we measured heart rate (HR) of five captive bears before and after the first of five flights each day. Spikes in HR, a measure of stress, diminished across the five flights within each day and over the course of 4 weeks of twice-weekly exposure. We halted flights for 118 days, and when we resumed, HR responses were similar to that at the end of the previous trials. Our findings highlight the capacity of a large mammal to become and remain habituated to a novel anthropogenic stimulus in a relatively short time (3-4 weeks). However, such habituation to mechanical noises may reduce their wariness of other human threats. Also, whereas cardiac effects diminished, frequent UAS disturbances may have other chronic physiological effects that were not measured. We caution that the rate of habituation may differ between wild and captive animals: while the captive bears displayed large initial spikes in HR change (albeit not as large as wild bears), these animals were accustomed to regular exposure to humans and mechanical noises that may have hastened habituation to the UAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Ditmer
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, 135 Skok Hall, 2003 Upper Buford Circle St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Leland K Werden
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, 140 Gortner Laboratory, 1479 Gortner Avenue, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Jessie C Tanner
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, 140 Gortner Laboratory, 1479 Gortner Avenue, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Peggy Callahan
- Wildlife Science Center, 22830 Sunrise Rd NE, Stacy, MN, USA
| | - Paul A Iaizzo
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, B172 Mayo, MMC 195, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Timothy G Laske
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, B172 Mayo, MMC 195, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David L Garshelis
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, 135 Skok Hall, 2003 Upper Buford Circle St. Paul, MN, USA
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1201 E Hwy 2, Grand Rapids, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Park managers call for cost-effective and innovative solutions to handle a wide variety of environmental problems that threaten biodiversity in protected areas. Recently, drones have been called upon to revolutionize conservation and hold great potential to evolve and raise better-informed decisions to assist management. Despite great expectations, the benefits that drones could bring to foster effectiveness remain fundamentally unexplored. To address this gap, we performed a literature review about the use of drones in conservation. We selected a total of 256 studies, of which 99 were carried out in protected areas. We classified the studies in five distinct areas of applications: “wildlife monitoring and management”; “ecosystem monitoring”; “law enforcement”; “ecotourism”; and “environmental management and disaster response”. We also identified specific gaps and challenges that would allow for the expansion of critical research or monitoring. Our results support the evidence that drones hold merits to serve conservation actions and reinforce effective management, but multidisciplinary research must resolve the operational and analytical shortcomings that undermine the prospects for drones integration in protected areas.
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
The use of unoccupied aircraft systems (UASs, also known as drones) in science is growing rapidly. Recent advances in microelectronics and battery technology have resulted in the rapid development of low-cost UASs that are transforming many industries. Drones are poised to revolutionize marine science and conservation, as they provide essentially on-demand remote sensing capabilities at low cost and with reduced human risk. A variety of multirotor, fixed-wing, and transitional UAS platforms are capable of carrying various optical and physical sampling payloads and are being employed in almost every subdiscipline of marine science and conservation. This article provides an overview of the UAS platforms and sensors used in marine science and conservation missions along with example physical, biological, and natural resource management applications and typical analytical workflows. It concludes with details on potential effects of UASs on marine wildlife and a look to the future of UASs in marine science and conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David W Johnston
- Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Casale P, Broderick AC, Camiñas JA, Cardona L, Carreras C, Demetropoulos A, Fuller WJ, Godley BJ, Hochscheid S, Kaska Y, Lazar B, Margaritoulis D, Panagopoulou A, Rees AF, Tomás J, Türkozan O. Mediterranean sea turtles: current knowledge and priorities for conservation and research. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2018. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
48
|
Rees AF, Avens L, Ballorain K, Bevan E, Broderick AC, Carthy RR, Christianen MJA, Duclos G, Heithaus MR, Johnston DW, Mangel JC, Paladino F, Pendoley K, Reina RD, Robinson NJ, Ryan R, Sykora-Bodie ST, Tilley D, Varela MR, Whitman ER, Whittock PA, Wibbels T, Godley BJ. The potential of unmanned aerial systems for sea turtle research and conservation: a review and future directions. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2018. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|